An 11-month-old reported missing Sunday evening near Flora Vista, N.M., was found dead shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. The child's mother made the initial missing-person report, and search teams located the body in a remote area. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said the incident is being investigated as a homicide; no suspects have been named and the cause of death and the child's identity have not been released.
11-Month-Old Found Dead Hours After Being Reported Missing Near Flora Vista, New Mexico
A San Juan County Sheriff's Office vehicleSan Juan County Sheriff's Office, NM Facebook
An 11-month-old infant reported missing Sunday evening near Flora Vista, New Mexico, was found dead shortly before 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office said.
Authorities said search teams were alerted to the child's disappearance Sunday evening and began looking "immediately." A sheriff's office spokesperson told local outlet KRQE that the child's mother reported the child missing and that the infant was later discovered in a remote area.
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“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community,” Sheriff Shane Ferrari said. “We are working around the clock to gather evidence as to what and who was responsible for the death of this child. There is no threat to the public.”
The sheriff's office said investigators are treating the incident as a homicide and are pursuing the case "to our fullest capabilities." Officials asked the public to respect the family's privacy as they grieve.
At this time, authorities have not released the child's identity or the cause of death, and no suspects have been named. Local media reported that PEOPLE and KRQE covered the initial missing-person alert and subsequent recovery; the San Juan County Sheriff's Office did not immediately provide additional comment beyond its public statement.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement said there is no known threat to the public. Investigators continue to gather evidence and follow leads in the remote area where the body was recovered. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.
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